BOISE—The City of Boise is empowering it’s residents to shape the city’s future by selecting a new flag. Public voting is now open for four final designs, marking the culmination of months of community engagement and artistic expression. This initiative promises to replace the current flag, which has represented Boise for 35 years, with a symbol that more accurately reflects the city’s evolving identity and values. The voting deadline is April 18, 2025.

mayor Lauren McLean emphasized the meaning of this community-driven project:

This process has been a truly inspiring party of community creativity and civic pride. Each flag design tells a story about who we are as a city.Now, we’re asking the community to choose the flag that best reflects our shared values and identity, a true Boise flag.
Mayor Lauren McLean

Boise’s present flag, featuring the city logo against a blue backdrop, has been in use for over three decades. However, as Boise has grown and transformed, so has the desire for a flag that encapsulates its distinctive character, principles, and cultural tapestry. While the existing city logo will remain a vital symbol, the flag itself is being reimagined through this public endeavor.

A Community-Led Design Process

The journey to select a new flag began with a city-wide call for ideas, gathering input from nearly 3,000 Boise residents about the symbols and themes they wished to see represented. Inspired by this feedback, nearly 140 local artists submitted original designs, each accompanied by personal statements explaining their inspiration and vision. This level of participation underscores the deep connection Boise residents feel to their city’s identity.

A Flag Design Committee, comprised of Boise residents, civic leaders, elected officials, and city staff, meticulously reviewed each submission with careful consideration. This committee narrowed the field to four final designs, now presented to the public for a final vote.

The Final Four Designs

While the specific designs are available for viewing on the city’s website,the concepts likely incorporate themes resonant with Boise residents. These could include:

• The Boise Foothills: A prominent geographic feature and recreational area.
• The Boise River: A vital waterway that has shaped the city’s advancement.
• A thriving Arts and Culture Scene: reflecting Boise’s growing reputation as a cultural hub.
• A Sense of Community: Symbolizing the friendly and welcoming nature of Boise residents.

The designs are likely to use colors that resonate with the region, such as blues and greens representing the river and foothills, or golds and yellows representing the high desert landscape.

Why This Matters: The Importance of City Flags

City flags are more than just pieces of cloth; they are powerful symbols of civic identity and pride. A well-designed flag can:

• Unite residents: Foster a sense of belonging and shared identity among diverse communities.
• Promote the City: Serve as a visual representation of Boise to the outside world, attracting tourism and investment.
• Celebrate History and Culture: Honor the past while looking towards the future.
• Inspire Civic Engagement: Encourage residents to take an active role in their community.

Think of the iconic flags of other U.S. cities: chicago’s flag with its blue stripes representing the branches of the Chicago River and its stars commemorating meaningful historical events, or Denver’s flag with its sunburst symbolizing the state’s sunshine and its diamond representing its mineral wealth. These flags are instantly recognizable and evoke strong feelings of civic pride.

A successful flag design embodies the city’s spirit and aspirations. The new flag should be easily recognizable, memorable, and adaptable for a variety of uses, from official government displays to merchandise sold by local businesses.

Voting Information

Boise residents are encouraged to view the final flag designs and statements and cast their votes at: cityofboise.org/flag. The voting period concludes on Friday, April 18, 2025.

This is a crucial opportunity for Boise residents to participate in shaping the city’s visual identity. By voting, residents can ensure that the new flag reflects their values, celebrates their community, and represents Boise to the world with pride.